Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether she has had recent discussions with the (a) Secretary of State for Business and Trade and (b) Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations on the potential merits of negotiating a mutual recognition of professional qualification agreement with the European Commission for the aviation sector.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Government has been clear that the UK’s trading relationship with the EU can be improved in several areas. The Department continues to engage with the European Union (EU) Commission on areas where future cooperation or recognition could support UK interests. Any further details will be provided in due course, as engagement progresses.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what her Department's policy is on the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport.
Answered by Mike Kane - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
This Government is committed to securing the long-term future of the aviation sector in the UK and recognises the benefits of the connectivity it creates between the UK and the rest of the world.
We have been clear that any expansion proposals at Heathrow Airport would need to demonstrate that they contribute to country-wide economic growth, are compatible with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental standards on air quality and noise pollution.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to improve rail services.
Answered by Huw Merriman
We are delivering a simpler and better railway. In advance of legislation to establish Great British Railways, we have reorganised the Department of Transport with the creation of an integrated Rail Services Group. This group brings together most of the Passenger Services Group and the Rail Infrastructure Group. This single team, focussed on the day-to-day operational performance of the railway, will pave the way to an integrated rail body.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department has made an estimate of the potential cost savings arising from the proposed closure of Network Rail ticket offices.
Answered by Huw Merriman
This is an industry-led process. The outcomes of the consultations will not be known until the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement process has been concluded.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had recent discussions with Network Rail on the potential merits of amending the conditions of travel to allow passengers to purchase tickets later in their journeys when (a) they cannot purchase the correct ticket through a ticket machine at their departure station and (b) no ticket office is available.
Answered by Huw Merriman
We recognise there are a wide range of fares and tickets offered to passengers, and that not all products are offered consistently online or at ticket vending machines. Industry is looking to expand digital ticketing options and make them even easier for passengers to use through upgrades to ticket vending machines and digitisation of more tickets and processes.
When proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours (including closures), the train operating companies are required to take into account the adequacy of the proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of all passengers including tickets.
Passengers will not be expected to travel out of their way to buy a ticket and will be able to buy en route or at their destination.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has had discussions with National Rail operators on (a) facilitating the purchase of extension tickets for Freedom Pass holders and (b) the application of D50 discounts for tickets through ticket machines at stations where ticket offices are set to close.
Answered by Huw Merriman
We recognise there are a wide range of fares and tickets offered to passengers, and that not all products are offered consistently online or at ticket vending machines. Industry is looking to expand digital ticketing options and make them even easier for passengers to use through upgrades to ticket vending machines and digitisation of more tickets and processes.
When proposing major changes to ticket office opening hours (including closures), the train operating companies are required to take into account the adequacy of the proposed alternatives in relation to the needs of all passengers including tickets.
Passengers will not be expected to travel out of their way to buy a ticket and will be able to buy en route or at their destination.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to assess the environmental and health impacts of concentrated flight paths.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
UK airspace is an invisible but vital piece of our national infrastructure. Modernisation is long overdue and is critical to ensure that UK airspace is fit for purpose in the future. Its aim is to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys and more capacity for the benefit of those who use and are affected by UK airspace.
The Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) sets out the ways, means and ends of modernising airspace through nine elements that will modernise aircraft-based navigation and airspace management. A refreshed AMS was published in January 2023 which extends the strategy out to 2040, reaffirming our commitment to delivering this key infrastructure programme. Sustainability is an overarching principle of the strategy. The environmental benefits of the strategy will contribute towards our Jet Zero emissions reductions targets for the aviation sector.
The environmental benefits of airspace modernisation will contribute towards our Jet Zero emissions reductions targets for the aviation sector. The Free Route Airspace deployment over the southwest of England in March 2023 saved 12,000+ tonnes of CO2/year and 150,000 nautical miles of flying, which is the equivalent of seven trips around the world.
All sponsors of airspace change must follow the Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory requirements as set out in CAP1616. These requirements reflect the Government's Air Navigation Guidance 2017 which requires sponsors to consider the use of multiple flightpaths to disperse air traffic, as well as undertake full assessments of the airspace options they are considering. Noise impacts must be assessed using the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance which includes a module for valuing the impacts of noise on health and quality of life.
Airports are responsible for the specific arrangements for low-level flightpaths. Engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including communities, is an important part of CAP1616 and is crucial to the success of the airspace modernisation programme. I would encourage you and your constituents to partake in these public engagement exercises to ensure the needs of your constituency are fully accounted for in the airspace change process.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing funding for a vehicle scrappage scheme in (a) Greater London and (b) neighbouring counties.
Answered by Richard Holden
Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London and TfL.
This includes decisions with regards to road schemes which charge users such as the Mayor’s decision to expand the ULEZ, which were in his Transport Plan, backed by the Liberal Democrat Group in the London Assembly.
The Mayor of London has received over £6 billion since March 2020. We have been clear that Government grant funding, via the longer-term funding settlement, cannot be used to cover the cost of implementing his ULEZ expansion.
The Mayor must cover this cost through alternative sources.
It is for the Mayor to consider the need and budget for any funding the impact his decision has on drivers and businesses impacted inside and outside of London.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the impact of changes to funding for active travel projects on the safety of cyclists.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy Report to Parliament, published in July 2022, provides an assessment of the impacts of investment in active travel on road safety. The Department plans to publish a new Road Safety Strategic Framework, based on a Safe System approach, later this spring. Active Travel England will be working with local highway authorities to ensure that all new active travel schemes, however they are funded, are safe and accessible.
Asked by: Munira Wilson (Liberal Democrat - Twickenham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a car scrappage scheme in the South East to support residents in counties bordering Greater London to switch to greener vehicles following the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion.
Answered by Jesse Norman - Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone across London is a matter for the devolved Greater London Authority. Any concerns about the adequacy of the Mayor of London’s proposed scrappage scheme are matters for them.
Whilst the Government has no current plans for a national scrappage scheme, it already provides incentives for consumers and businesses to purchase and run zero emission vehicles, including lower tax rates for the cleanest vehicles, funding to support electric vehicle chargepoint installation and plug-in vehicle grants.